Lazy Man Cabbage
A hearty, comforting casserole combining tender cabbage, flavorful ground beef, and savory tomato sauce, layered with rice for a satisfying family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the cabbage in boiling water and cook until slightly soft. Drain.
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the onion is clear and the beef loses its pink color. Drain excess fat.
- Add the tomato soup, tomato sauce, and water to the meat mixture.
- Prepare Minute rice according to package directions.
- Add the cooked rice to the meat mixture.
- Layer half of the cabbage in a 11 x 15-inch baking pan.
- Spread half of the meat mixture over the cabbage.
- Add the remaining cabbage layer.
- Top with the remaining meat mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, you can use pre-shredded cabbage or even coleslaw mix. If you want a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile. If you'd like some heat, consider mixing in a bit of crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños. This dish is a fantastic way to combine flavors found in various beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lazy Man Cabbage with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top can add a nice finishing touch. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with the Savory Cocktail Meatballs for a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Man Cabbage contains roughly 498 calories, with 22g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1014mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used as substitutes for the beef. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat's fat content and texture.
What can I do if I don’t have any tomato soup?
If you don’t have tomato soup on hand, you can blend canned tomatoes with a bit of broth or water to create a similar consistency. Alternatively, use tomato paste mixed with water or broth to achieve the right flavor and texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the flavor without the meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).